Exploring the History, Literature, and Culture of the Tar Heel State

Behind ‘the excessive rate of mortality’ at Salisbury prison

On this day in 1865: Confederate inspector T.A. Hall reports to Richmond on conditions at Salisbury prison: “The excessive rate of mortality among the prisoners merits attention. Since the 21st of October 3,479 have been buried. Pneumonia and diseases of the bowels are the prevalent diseases. The prisoners appear to die, however, more from exposure and exhaustion than from actual disease.”